February 4th is World Cancer Day.

Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body multiply uncontrollably. While normal cells divide in a specific order, cancer cells lose this order and grow abnormally. These abnormal cells can eventually form tumors; some tumors may be benign (non-cancerous), while others may be malignant (cancerous).

Cancer can spread to tissues and organs, causing functional disorders, metastasize to other parts of the body, and be life-threatening. Treatment success rates are much higher in cancers treated in the early stages. Cancer is a global disease. Cardiovascular diseases are the second leading cause of death among known causes. This situation demonstrates how widespread and deadly a health problem cancer is.

Cancer, a major public health problem;

• High mortality And social impact (widespread losses in the family and society),
• High treatment costs and an economic burden on the health system,
• The chances of successful treatment are low if it is not diagnosed early.,
• It leads to a decrease in the quality of life,
• Its importance in terms of public health is further increased because it requires high public health expenditures.

To protect yourself from cancer, follow these steps: risk factors It is recommended to avoid:

• Use of tobacco and tobacco products (including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products)
• Overweight or being obese
• With insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption unhealthy eating
• Lack of physical activity
• Alcohol use Hepatitis, HPV, HIV, etc. carcinogenic infections
• Ionizing and ultraviolet radiation exposure
• Urban air pollution and indoor air pollution due to solid fuel use air pollution
• Exposure to occupational carcinogens

     Tobacco use, kansere bağlı ölümlerin yaklaşık %22’sinden sorumlu olup kanser gelişimi açısından en önemli risk faktörüdür. Akciğer kanserinin yanı sıra yemek borusu, mesane, böbrek, pankreas, mide ve rahim ağzı kanserleri ile de ilişkilidir. Hangi yaşta olursa olsun tütün kullanımının bırakılması, yaşam kalitesi ve yaşam süresi üzerinde anlamlı olumlu etkiler sağlamaktadır.

     Obesity, Besides causing cancer development, it can also lead to decreased response to treatment, worsening of disease course, and increased mortality rates. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity reduces the risk of many types of cancer, especially bowel, breast, uterine, ovarian, pancreatic, esophageal, kidney, liver, and gallbladder cancers.

     Alcohol consumption, It is associated with cancers of the digestive and excretory systems and is a largely preventable risk factor through individual awareness.

The most common type of cancer worldwide. against skin cancer; The risk can be significantly reduced by taking sun protection measures, avoiding direct sunlight during harmful hours, and using protective clothing.

Moreover, exposure to carcinogenic substances For individuals working in high-risk occupational groups, paying attention to the necessary occupational health and safety measures is an important strategy for protection.

It is clear that significant gains can be made in the fight against cancer, which is expected to pose an even greater societal burden in the future, through awareness of proven risk factors for cancer and the resolute implementation of preventive measures at both individual and societal levels.

Each type of cancer has its own specific cause, risk factors, and diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Therefore, early diagnosis and screening strategies vary depending on the type of cancer.

In our country, screening programs are implemented in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), national and international publications, and the recommendations of the National Cancer Advisory Board; especially for common, fatal, and/or treatable/preventable cancers (breast, colon, and cervical cancer), tailored to the resources and disease burden of the community.

Cancer Types and Ranges Screened For

These scans FREE aspect:

• Family Health Centers (FHCs),
• Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM),
• Healthy Life Centers (HLCs),
• This is provided through mobile cancer screening units (Mobile KETEM).

• Opportunistic screenings are carried out in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

Uluslararası Kanser Araştırmaları Kurumu (IARC) çevresel ve yaşam tarzı faktörlerinin, küresel kanser yükünün yaklaşık %50’sine katkıda bulunduğunu, nedenleri hâlâ bilinemeyen kalan %50’lik kanser yüküne de etki yapmasının muhtemel olduğunu vurgulamaktadır. Ülkemizde yılda yaklaşık 240,000 cancer cases It is estimated that this number will reach 419,000 in 2045. With national-level preventive measures and lifestyle changes, the expected increase in cases in 2045 can be mitigated. at least 210,000 cancer cases It is possible to make a direct difference to lives and families. It is possible to reduce the risk of cancer by eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and tobacco products, and leading an active lifestyle. Furthermore, many cancers, when diagnosed early and treated appropriately, have a high chance of recovery.

February 4th, World Cancer Day, is a global day aimed at raising public awareness about cancer, strengthening education with accurate information, and mobilizing both individuals and governments worldwide. This special day aims to contribute to reducing the millions of preventable cancer-related cases and deaths each year. World Cancer Day is more than just a one-day event; it is a campaign that aims to create a powerful impact, encourage change, and transform awareness into long-term action.

2025–2027 The theme of World Cancer Day is "“We are one through our uniqueness.”The theme is defined as follows: While emphasizing that every individual's experience battling cancer is unique, these differences are actually a common force that unites people. Although everyone's journey is different, individuals fighting cancer are connected around hope, resilience, and human emotions. The uniqueness of each story is highlighted, conveying the message that these stories increase empathy and strengthen social solidarity.

First introduced in 2005, with close cooperation from our country as well. International Union Against Cancer (UICC) organized by World Cancer Day The events will be held every year on February 4th in the following years., UICC and has become a tradition through global campaigns conducted in collaboration with partner organizations.

The main objectives of World Cancer Day are:;

• To raise public awareness about cancer.
• To reduce misinformation and prejudices about cancer.
• Preventing preventable cancer deaths
• Encouraging organizations and individuals to take concrete action.
• To support equitable, accessible and sustainable services in cancer control.

On the occasion of World Cancer Day on February 4th, we invite all our citizens to take steps to prevent cancer. By contacting Family Health Centers and Healthy Life Centers, you can receive support to quit smoking and alcohol, and benefit from nutritional counseling services to prevent obesity and adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

We also invite you to visit our Family Health Centers (ASM), Cancer Early Detection, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM), Healthy Life Centers (SHM), and mobile cancer screening vehicles for free cancer screenings.

“"Everyone has the right to be protected from cancer."”

“"Early diagnosis saves lives in cancer."”